Bolognese

Origin

The Bolognese dog breed is thought to have descended from the Bichons of southern Italy and Malta. They were developed centuries ago in Bologna in Italy, as early as the 11th and 12th centuries. They enjoyed a lot of popularity with the ruling families and the nobility in the 1500s as companion dogs, and have been owned by some fascinating people – from Catherine the Great of Russia to Marilyn Monroe

Personality

The Bolognese dog breed bonds very closely with his owners and generally dislikes being separated from his loved ones. He can be quite reserved with strangers, and although they will bark to notify the owner of anything unusual or new, they should not be yappy or aggressive little dogs. They love to please and are quick to learn.

Health

The Bolognese dog is generally a healthy breed with no widely recognised breed specific health problems.

Exercise

These little dogs are quite happy with several short walks every day, but they will never refuse a long walk. Likewise they will be quite content to play in the garden with their owner.

Nutrition

Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.

Grooming

The long Bolognese dog’s coat is prone to tangling and needs to be combed every day, paying particular attention to the stomach, behind the ears and the legs. As they do not shed, dead hair has to be removed by grooming.